Wikipedia describes the mighty Mushhushshu (moo-shoo-shoo) as an ancient Mesopotamian hybrid creature that’s part dragon, part eagle, part cat, and part snake. It’s got some nifty horns, too. 

Barrel-Aged Mushhushshu is a Dark Ale blend, not a serpent-bird-kitty monster. But it’s so limited and carefully crafted that it’s become its own kind of legend! 

This year’s 2020 vintage is poised to take the saga to new heights, with its boozy 11.6% ABV and 16-month nap in charred white oak Bourbon Barrels. That’s a much longer barrel stint than we’ve seen before with previous vintages! 

The brewers aged this dark sipper with real coffee, chocolate, and vanilla, too. Each sip is positively swimming in oaky mocha complexity, punctuated with luscious cream notes from the vanilla. 

And, once this year’s batch is all snatched up, its particular flavor profile will never be seen again. The Rhinegeist crew changes up the blend with every new batch, and they typically don’t send it beyond the Cincinnati area.

I’m not going to tell you when or how exactly you should savor the legendary Mushhushshu, but I will say this: it’s best not to brag about this craft commodity if you want to be left alone. 

If anyone asks if you have Mushhushshu, you can just play confused and say, “I’ve never even been to Mesopotamia!” 

Paste Magazine named Rhinegeist one of the Top 50 American Breweries of the past decade!

Tavour strictly supports independent beer. Rhinegeist Brewery is certified independent by the Brewers Association